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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To send invitation for 8th party happening mid-Jan?

112 replies

cremello · 06/10/2025 12:23

The party is booked already because dates are already becoming unavailable. Party is for 8 children.

OP posts:
Ttcno2thisber · 06/10/2025 13:03

I’d much rather know in advance rather than find out a few weeks before. I personally prefer when people say “I know it’s a bit early but my DD’s party is booked for 3 months time!” Than be told a fortnight before.

You can write on the invite that you’ll remind maybe a month before?

Sunshineofyourlove · 06/10/2025 13:02

I would find it weird to get a birthday party nvitation this far in advance.

mindutopia · 06/10/2025 13:02

cremello · 06/10/2025 12:43

They don't have to know what they're doing?

-Receive invitation
-Check diary
-If free - send yes. If not free - send no.

Do you mean they're waiting to see if something better comes along?

Yes, because some things are more important than an 8 year olds birthday. A wedding, a funeral, grandad’s belated 80th that couldn’t be booked in during Christmas. I personally am waiting on two surgeries, I have to have them 8 weeks apart, so first date hopefully in November, then second would be January. Currently, I can’t fully commit to anything between end of October and end of February because I could be in hospital. 🤷🏻‍♀️

You’ll be much more likely to get yes responses, if that’s what you want, by sending out the invites with a more realistic timeline for a response. You send them now, and people will hold off responding and forget, or say yes, but it won’t get carried over to the 2026 diary, so they’ll forget. Or people will say no, thinking they’ll be away, but actually they’ll end up being home but already rsvped no. Just wait til later and save yourself the stress of cancellations and no shows and chasing everyone.

PeppermintPatty10 · 06/10/2025 13:00

I don't get all the 'people will forget' comments. You put everything into your diary?

Two weeks is definitely not enough notice. If someone sent me a save the date message I would think they were planning a brilliant party at a great venue! And putting a lot of thought into it.
Send the save the date, OP, and follow up with a proper invitation, and obviously remind people closer to the time.

mindutopia · 06/10/2025 12:54

Dear god no. Just before Christmas break, with rsvp the first week back from school.

cremello · 06/10/2025 12:43

TulipCat · 06/10/2025 12:39

It's way too early. People will either forget, or not know what they're doing that far ahead and therefore avoid committing just yet. Send them at the start of December.

They don't have to know what they're doing?

-Receive invitation
-Check diary
-If free - send yes. If not free - send no.

Do you mean they're waiting to see if something better comes along?

OP posts:
Tagalogalog · 06/10/2025 12:40

I’d WhatsApp the mums/dads individually to say “if you can save the date that would be lovely! But appreciate plans can change x”

newworki · 06/10/2025 12:39

I’m would expect to receive an invite a couple of weeks in advance regardless of the time of year.

TulipCat · 06/10/2025 12:39

It's way too early. People will either forget, or not know what they're doing that far ahead and therefore avoid committing just yet. Send them at the start of December.

Legomania · 06/10/2025 12:38

Please don't send a save the date for an eighth birthday party! By all means book it now but wait with the invitations until early Dec as pp suggest

PeppermintPatty10 · 06/10/2025 12:35

I think it's fine! Nice to have a party to look forward to in Jan, and it sounds like it's an in demand venue. Send a Save the Date now, and a full invitation in Nov/Dec, if you prefer.

ToTheStarsToTheSea · 06/10/2025 12:29

It's far too soon. People will have forgotten by then.
I'd send them early Dec, so around a month's notice .